March Updates
This month’s newsletter brings together useful updates, opportunities and support for VCSE organisations across Kent and Medway, including a spotlight on the Kent AI Skills Accelerator programme, upcoming networking events, community wellbeing initiatives, funding opportunities and local sector updates.
More AI training places released
Due to high demand, 100 additional AI qualifications have now been released through the Kent AI Skills Accelerator programme.
Delivered by Social Enterprise Kent in partnership with R People Ltd, the programme helps SMEs and VCSE organisations across Kent adopt AI safely, responsibly and effectively. Participants gain practical skills to improve productivity, reduce administrative burden and understand the legal, ethical and governance considerations of using AI.
These City and Guilds assured courses provide practical learning that organisations can apply immediately. Places are limited and expected to fill quickly, so don’t delay in securing a place.
Eligibility requirements apply:
This fully funded programme is open to SMEs and self-employed individuals based in Kent who want to build practical AI skills and explore how AI can support business growth.
No prior experience in AI is required, just curiosity, ambition and a willingness to learn.
You can apply if you:
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Run or work for a Kent-based business.
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Work in a small or medium-sized business (fewer than 250 employees), including microbusinesses and sole traders.
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Are able to complete the training within the programme delivery period.
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Have access to a computer or laptop and a reliable internet connection.
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Are happy to take part in feedback surveys and short case studies to help evaluate the programme.
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Priority may also be given to businesses located in the Kent Coastal Marmot region.
Please note:
Individuals that have already received a funded place through the programme cannot receive a second funded place.
Individuals that have already received a funded place through the programme cannot receive a second funded place.
The Kent AI Skills Accelerator programme is funded through Kent County Council’s Helping Hands Scheme.
Events and Opportunities
Kent AI Best Practice Conference
To share learning from the programme and explore what responsible AI adoption looks like in practice, Social Enterprise Kent is hosting the Kent AI Best Practice Conference.
Date: Thursday 30 April 2026
Time: 10:00am–3:15pm
Location: Westgate Hall, Canterbury
The conference will bring together SMEs, VCSE organisations, AI specialists and policy experts to explore how organisations across Kent can adopt artificial intelligence confidently, safely and responsibly.
Attendees will hear from programme partners, participating organisations and AI governance experts about the opportunities and challenges of implementing AI in real world settings.
Keynote Speaker
Associate Professor Jaspal Kaur Sadhu Singh, Senior Lecturer in Law at Canterbury Christ Church University and an international expert in AI governance and ethics.
The conference is ideal for:
- SME leaders
- VCSE organisations
- business advisors and support organisations
- Kent AI Skills Accelerator participants
- anyone interested in responsible AI adoption
Exhibitor spaces are also available. Organisations interested in hosting a stall should contact Heather Biddles. Places will be allocated on a first come first served basis.
Programme Update
Cancer Smart programme recognised at Kent and Medway Healthwatch Awards
Social Enterprise Kent’s Cancer Smart programme has been recognised at the Kent and Medway Healthwatch Recognition Awards 2026, receiving the award for Excellence in Innovative Approaches to Prevention.
Hosted by Healthwatch Kent, the awards celebrate teams and partnerships making a positive difference to health and social care through collaboration, innovation and community engagement. The Cancer Smart programme was recognised for its work in encouraging early diagnosis, promoting awareness of signs and symptoms, and helping increase screening uptake in communities facing health inequalities.
Delivered in partnership with the Kent and Medway Cancer Alliance, the initiative has focused on giving people the confidence and knowledge to make informed health choices and seek support earlier.
The awards ceremony was held at Revelation, Ashford. Pictured left to right are: Tracey Squire, Lisa Bates, Rebecca Smith, Kay Devine, Laura Campbell and Jo Bailey.
> READ THE NHS KENT AND MEDWAY ICB ARTICLE
Ref: Healthwatch Kent / Kent and Medway ICB
Events and Networking
Thanet Social Enterprise Networking Event
Wednesday 26 March 2026 | 10:00am–12:00pm
Hilderstone College, English Studies Centre, Broadstairs
Social Enterprise Kent is hosting the next Thanet Social Enterprise Networking session, offering a friendly and informal opportunity for local social enterprises, charities, community organisations and purpose led businesses to connect, collaborate and share ideas.
Following on from the successful Thanet Social Enterprise Boost programme, the event will provide a welcoming space to stay connected with other social entrepreneurs and community leaders, share updates and opportunities, explore collaborations and hear about support from Social Enterprise Kent including funding, programmes and upcoming initiatives.
Whether you are part of an established organisation or just starting your social enterprise journey, you are warmly invited to attend.
To book: email boost@sekgroup.org.uk by 5pm on 24 March to secure your place. Refreshments will be provided.
Networking and Improving Business Efficiency with AI
Tuesday 21 April 2026 | 10:00am–12:00pm
EKC Broadstairs College Margate Digital Campus
Hosted by Kent and Medway Growth Hub, Social Enterprise Kent and Thanet District Council, this relaxed networking session will bring together businesses, social enterprises, charities and community organisations from across Thanet and East Kent.
Alongside networking and local updates, attendees will hear a practical introduction from Rebecca Bradley of R People on how AI tools can help organisations reduce administration, save time and work more efficiently.
The event is ideal for small businesses, social enterprises, charities and community groups looking to build new connections, hear about local support and explore how artificial intelligence can support day to day efficiency.
Community Support
Wellbeing Connections is a community support service for people aged 55+ and adults with complex needs living in Thanet, Dover, and Folkestone and Hythe.
Bringing together the previous Universal Wellbeing and Connect Well services, the programme offers a joined up point of contact for residents who need support to stay independent, manage their health and wellbeing, and access the right help at the right time.
The service provides structured and personalised support for people who may be finding daily life more challenging, need ongoing guidance to manage their health and wellbeing, or may be at risk of needing more formal care without additional help.
It also connects residents with a wide range of local wellbeing activities, from walking football and tai chi to gardening groups, coffee mornings and community based social opportunities.
Contact: wellbeingconnections@sekgroup.org.uk
Volunteering continues to support community projects across Kent
Volunteers continue to play an important role in supporting Social Enterprise Kent’s work across local communities. From helping in social supermarkets to supporting food redistribution projects and community activities, volunteers contribute time, skills and energy that strengthen local programmes.
Volunteering can offer a valuable opportunity for people to gain experience, build confidence and connect with others while contributing to projects that make a difference in their communities.
At Social Enterprise Kent, volunteering opportunities are designed to be flexible and supportive, enabling people to contribute in ways that fit around their availability and interests. Many volunteers also use the experience to build practical skills or take positive steps towards employment, training or further opportunities.
Current opportunities include supporting activities in the Ashford and Ramsgate Social Supermarkets, assisting with gleaning projects that help redistribute surplus food, and providing help with administration, marketing and community activities.
> FIND OUT MORE ABOUT SEK VOLUNTEERING
Big STEM Challenge and Green School Awards
Schools across Kent are invited to take part in two initiatives celebrating creativity, innovation and environmental action.
The Big STEM Challenge encourages young people to develop projects based on research, investigation and experimentation. Finalists will have the opportunity to showcase their work at a science fair at Discovery Park.
The Green School Awards celebrate schools that are taking positive action on sustainability, from tree planting and recycling initiatives to biodiversity projects and wider environmental campaigns.
Together, these opportunities give children and young people the chance to develop teamwork, communication and problem solving skills while celebrating their achievements through special events and showcases.
> FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE BIG STEM CHALLENGE
> FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE GREEN SCHOOL AWARDS
Entries close: 31 July 2026
Sector Spotlight
A recent feature in South East Farmer explored how gleaning can help turn surplus produce into valuable community support, while reducing waste and strengthening connections between farmers and local people.
The article follows Artur Swakon of Greenway Fruit Farm, who has increasingly opened his farm to gleaners collecting fruit that would otherwise have gone unharvested. With the right coordination and support, surplus produce has been redirected into community kitchens, food projects and households, rather than being left in the field.
The article also highlights the wider benefits of gleaning, from reducing waste and supporting community food projects to helping local people better understand food production and seasonality.
Social Enterprise Kent is currently supporting farmers and growers across Kent and Medway through the Tackling Food Waste at the Farm Gate scheme, helping ensure more good food reaches communities where it is needed.
Ref: South East Farmer – Why I opened my gates to gleaners
External News and Community Updates
Sector Policy Update
Government consultation on the future structure of councils in Kent and Medway
The UK Government has launched a consultation on proposals to reorganise local government across Kent and Medway, part of a wider national programme of local government reform.
Currently most services operate under a two tier system, where Kent County Council delivers services such as education, highways and social care, while district and borough councils provide services including housing, waste collection and planning.
The consultation explores proposals to move towards a smaller number of unitary councils, where a single authority would deliver all council services within an area. Medway Council already operates under this model.
Organisations, residents and community groups are invited to review the options being considered and share their views. The outcome will help inform ministerial decisions on how local government across Kent and Medway could be structured in the future.
Consultation deadline: 26 March 2026
Kent County Council Short Breaks Strategy 2026 to 2031
Kent County Council has launched a public consultation on its draft Short Breaks Strategy 2026 to 2031, which aims to expand opportunities, reduce waiting times and improve support for eligible disabled children, young people and their families.
Families, professionals and community partners are encouraged to contribute and help shape the future of Short Breaks across the county.
Ref: Kent County Council
Online Safety for 7 to 11 Year Olds
Kent County Council is also offering courses to help children aged seven to eleven stay safe online and develop the knowledge and skills they need as technology changes.
The sessions help children understand how to spot risks, make safer choices and know when to ask an adult for help.
Ref: Kent County Council
Brighter Days Academy Spring Series 2026
Brighter Days Academy is continuing its Spring Series with practical sessions designed for makers, artists and creative entrepreneurs.
Upcoming events include:
- 17 March – Share your News, exploring newsletter and blog platforms
- 26 March – Tell your Tale, looking at new ways to tell the story of your business or creative work
Ref: Brighter Days Academy
Neurodivergent Friends in Thanet – March events
A number of free events for neurodivergent adults are taking place in Thanet this March, including a Neurodivergent Coffee Morning in Ramsgate and a Creative Connection Club workshop focused on painting with nature.
All events are facilitated by neurodivergent adults for neurodivergent adults and are designed to provide safe, welcoming and creative spaces for connection.
Ref: Neurodivergent Friends in Thanet
Broadstairs Town Shed Spring Sale
Tuesday 24 March 2026 | 10:30am–1:00pm
Unit 3 Oakwood Industrial Estate, Broadstairs
Broadstairs Town Shed is hosting its Spring Sale this March, offering visitors the chance to learn more about the project and support its community workshop activities.
Ref: Broadstairs Town Shed
National Churches Trust – Large Grants Programme
The National Churches Trust offers grants of between £10,000 and £50,000 for urgent and essential structural repair projects to church buildings, and for the installation of kitchens and toilets that improve community use.
Match funding of at least 50% is required.
Next deadline: 7 July 2026
Stephen Lloyd Awards
The Stephen Lloyd Awards support early stage projects aiming to achieve social or environmental change in the United Kingdom.
Successful applicants receive at least £25,000 in funding alongside pro bono support from experts in social enterprise. Shortlisted applicants may also receive development support to help refine their ideas.
Application deadline: 8 April 2026
The Fore Funding Programme
The Fore offers unrestricted funding to small charities and social enterprises with a turnover under £500,000 that are making a strong impact and looking to grow, strengthen or become more resilient.
The programme is particularly interested in grassroots organisations working with underserved communities.
Registration opens: 25 March 2026
Registration closes: 1 April 2026
Regional Corporate Fundraiser – Youth Adventure Trust
Location: Remote
Salary: £28,000 per year
Hours: Part time, 21 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Youth Adventure Trust is recruiting a Regional Corporate Fundraiser to help build and develop corporate partnerships that support its work with vulnerable young people.
Interim Head of Development – Prospectus
Location: Margate, Kent (Hybrid)
Salary: £55,000 to £60,000 per annum
Hours: Full time
Contract: 6 to 9 months
Prospectus is recruiting an Interim Head of Development for a Kent based organisation, leading development activity and supporting strategic growth during a fixed term period.
Children and Young People Coordinator – Short Breaks, Imago Community
Location: Ashford and Ramsgate, Kent
Salary: Up to £25,000 per annum pro rata
Hours: Part time, 30 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Imago Community is seeking a Children and Young People Coordinator to support the delivery of services for children, young people and families across Kent.
Registered Cluster Care Home Manager
Location: Kent
Salary: £45,000 per year
Hours: Full time
Contract: Not specified
A charitable organisation is recruiting a Registered Cluster Care Home Manager to oversee two residential services in Kent. The role includes leading care teams, ensuring compliance with CQC standards, and promoting a person centred approach.
Operations Manager – Forward Trust
Location: Medway
Salary: From £40,000 per annum
Hours: Full time
Contract: Permanent
Forward Trust is recruiting an Operations Manager for Medway and Gravesham to support service delivery and operational leadership.
Closing date: 24 March 2026
Operations Manager – Forward Trust
Location: Thanet, Dover and Folkestone and Hythe
Salary: From £40,000 per annum
Hours: Full time
Contract: Permanent
Forward Trust is also recruiting an Operations Manager for East Kent to support local recovery and wellbeing services.
Closing date: 24 March 2026
Stay Connected
Stay informed with the latest updates from the VCSE sector across Kent and Medway. Our monthly newsletter shares sector insight, events and opportunities, funding, community updates and practical support to help organisations strengthen local impact and resilience.